What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Agkistrodon Bilineatus Snake Bite
• Common Cantil Snake Bite
• Mexican Moccasin Snake Bite

What is Mexican Cantil Snake Bite? (Definition/Background Information)

• The Mexican cantil (Agkistrodon bilineatus) is a venomous snake that is found in the Central American nations of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico (in the Yucatan Peninsula). It is also known as the Mexican moccasin or common cantil. The snake belong to the sub-species of pit vipers, family Viperidae. Pit vipers are termed so, due to the presence of certain heat-sensing organs located in a recess/notch between their eyes and nostrils
• The Mexican cantil inhabits tropical deciduous forests and grasslands (with few trees), at elevations of less than 2,000 feet (about 600 m). Its domain is mainly the coastal foothills in the endemic regions. The snake is often found sheltering beneath rocks. It is a terrestrial reptile that hunts during the day. The snakes may be found swimming in waterbodies too
• The Mexican cantil snake grows to an average size of about 3 feet, while some exceed 4.5 feet in length. The snake is heavy and robust with a long tapering tail ending in a moderately long spine. The head is flat, broad, and triangular in shape (with pale lines running along its sides); the head is distinct from the neck
• The snake is of variable coloration; the body is usually dark gray to black with brown/black crossbands, with thin white edges. Mexican cantils may present red, lavender, or yellow scaly patches on their bodies. The belly of the snake is dark grayish to red-brown with scattered whitish spots. It mainly feeds on frogs, lizards, small mammals, and birds
• The snake is generally aggressive and may strike multiple times if threatened. Mexican Cantil Snake Bites can result in fatalities due to systemic envenomation (venom injection through a bite) in the absence of treatment; some cases of snake bites are known to cause severe envenomation. The potent hemotoxic-myotoxic venom released can cause systemic effects including hemorrhage, systemic myolysis, collapse, and hypovolemic shock
• The signs and symptoms of Mexican Cantil Snake Bite may include mild to moderate effects at the bite site such as pain, bruising, blistering, and local swelling. When various body systems are affected by the venom, it can result in symptoms including abdominal pain, extensive tissue necrosis, impaired blood coagulation, and potential renal failure
• Early administration of suitable antivenom (or antivenin) is the mainstay of treatment when severe local or systemic symptoms are noted. Apart from this, symptomatic treatment is necessary, which may include pain medication, respiratory support, and peritoneal dialysis, as required. The prognosis of Mexican Cantil Snake Bite with prompt and effective therapy is usually good; although, serious human envenomation and deaths have been reported